This study examines recent developments in the continuing professional education of highly-qualified personnel (such as teachers, engineers, lawyers, physicians, and others), and focuses on their implications for higher education policies. It is a synthesis of the contributions of 17 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, mainly the industrialized nations of Europe, North America, and East Asia. Chapter 1 examines the changes in demand for continuing education in order to provide a context for considering the development of the various components over the last 20 years and for analyzing the significance of the growth of continuing education within the framework of higher education. Chapter 2 considers what continuing professional education is offered; how it is segmented; and how it functions in formal, non-formal, and commercial sectors; and the roles of public authorities with regard to the market. Chapter 3 is concerned with the consequences and challenges for institutions of higher education, given recent developments in continuing professional education for access, certification, funding, and curbs on development; while Chapter 4 examines the challenges for the future. Two appendixes provide statistical data and information on national contributions. (Contains 45 references.) (MDM)